Section Twenty-eighth.  Statistics, Tribal and General.Chapter I.  Census of the Indian Tribes of the United States.

IN 1736 the French undertook to make an enumeration of the Indian tribes, and reported the number of warriors, or fighting-men, to be 16,403, which, at the usual ratio of computation, represented a population of 82,015 souls. 893 Subsequent to the conquest of Canada, and after returning from his western campaign, Colonel Henry Bouquet estimated their numbers at 56,500 warriors, 894 or 283,000 persons. In 1768, Thomas Hutchins, Esq., Surveyor-General of the British colonies, rated their military force more accurately, at 19,830 warriors, indicating an aggregate population of 99,150 souls. 895

The latter two of these estimates comprise the aboriginal residents of the territory included in the original thirteen British colonies. The French estimate was manifestly confined to the great valleys of the St. Lawrence and of the Mississippi, extending to the base of the Rocky mountains, and including all the region west of the Alleghanies and north of New Orleans. At the era of the origination of the American Revolution, the number of Indian warriors to be encountered, as reported to Congress, then located at Philadelphia, was 12,000, being the multiplicand of 60,000.

Variations, contradictions, and gross incertitudes, have marked the enumerations made at all periods. The present census comprehends the Indian population resident within the geographical area of the United States, as now organized, and presents a condensed view of the statistics of all the tribes, as reported to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, within a period of ten years.

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TABLE I.
CENSUS OF THE INDIAN TRIBES OF THE UNITED STATES. 1857.This Table includes all the Tribes with whom the Government is in communication by Local, or General Agents.

No.

Names.

1847.

1848.

1849.

1850.

1851.

1852.

1853.

1854.

1855.

1856.

1857. Deduced standard of the decade.

Remarks.

1.

ABSAROKAS

5,300

4,000

4,650

4,650

Alpine bands of Rocky mountains. Called Crows by the traders and frontiersmen.

New Mexico. One of the seven Pueblos of ancient Cibola. Vol. III., p. 633.

Total

39,027

.

RECAPITULATION.

Table I., page 686

157,661

Table I., page 687

44,909

Table I., page 688

71,667

Table I., page 689

39,027

Total

313,264

To this result may be added, for tribes who are not reported by the agents, who have been solicited for desiderata, or who have vaguely reported, and for tribes who occupy unexplored parts of the interior of Texas, New Mexico, California, Oregon, Washington, Nebraska, and Kanzas, 66,000.

Some of the Indians have this year cultivated their corn with the plough. The result has been such as will probably induce the general adoption of this mode of cultivation. Most of the bands have applied to be furnished with harness, wagons, and ploughs, which articles have been furnished them as far as practicable. Two wagons, ten sets of harness, ten sets of gears for ploughing, and ten ploughs, have been loaned to them. The Indians have, in all cases, furnished their own horses to use in the plough and wagon. They have this year cultivated 365 acres of land: of this, they have ploughed eighty acres themselves; 255 acres have been ploughed for them; and it is estimated that they have cultivated 30 acres without ploughing. Three additional fields have been ploughed and fenced this season for the bands who moved from the Mississippi and Root rivers, and are now located on the Iowa. They raise corn, oats, potatoes, beans, turnips, squashes, and other vegetables; they all, however, depend, in part, on hunting and fishing for a living. The half-breeds depend partly on themselves, and in part on the Indians, for a support.

The farms have this season undergone considerable repairs. It was found necessary to repair all the fences. Some 8885 rails and stakes have been made and used on the farm at the agency. To this farm an addition of 100 acres has been made this season; this was done with very little additional fence, forty acres of the ground added having been formerly cultivated. There has been an average force of about ten hands constantly at work on the farms since the middle of last March. The number of acres cultivated by the hands employed, exclusive of the land ploughed for the Indians, as stated above, is 237  48 acres in wheat, 19 acres in oats, 2 1/2 acres in peas, 80 acres in corn, 10 acres in potatoes, 77 1/2 acres in beans and turnips. The land cultivated in beans and turnips was intended for corn, but the spring was late and the ground wet, and could not be ploughed in season. Our wheat and oats were good, and were harvested in good condition; corn and potatoes promise a fine crop.

The Menomonies are a brave and patient people, the firm friends of the government, and rely with abiding confidence on its justice and magnanimity. The greater share of them are hunters, living

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exclusively by the chase and the fisheries; for the last they resort to Green Bay, and the rivers falling into it, where they take at all seasons of the year, but especially in winter, large quantities (beyond their own consumption) of trout and sturgeon. When the Menomonies shall leave the shores of Green Bay, the sturgeon fisheries will cease  none but the Indians being able to endure the cold and fatigue of taking them.

Some three hundred of the Menomonies are Christians and farmers: the number is increasing, and the tribe will eve long become civilized, and abandon the chase. On a late visit to their village, I counted sixty-two log houses, erected by themselves, most of them comfortably finished and occupied. They have cleared up from the heavy timbered lands small fields, which are well fenced, and fine crops of corn and potatoes occupy every foot of ground: they will raise enough at lake Pah-way-hi-kun this year for their subsistence. The teams, farming utensils, &c., supplied them by the government, are in good order and highly prized: the quantity, annually, should be increased.

The Pawnees, since their great loss by cholera in 1828, number about 4500.

The Ottoes seem to gradually decrease, while the Omahas increase.

The Omahas arrived about the 10th ultimo from their summer hunts, having secured a sufficiency of meat and skins to do them until the approaching winter. On their return home they encountered a war party of Indians, supposed to be composed of Sioux and Poncas, with which they had an engagement of about four hours. The Omahas, having a large quantity of meat, besides being apprised of their enemy's intentions the day before, succeeded in throwing up such breastworks with it as made them amply secure before attacked by their enemies. After the loss of four or five men, together with some forty horses, they drove the enemy back, and became the victors of the field.

The Sioux and Poncas, it is supposed, had eight or nine men killed, and some ten or twelve wounded. Had the Omahas been met on the open prairie without any notice of the approach of the enemy, and without the means of fortifying themselves, they would, from the superior number of their opponents, have been almost entirely annihilated.

They have made a very good hunt; but, owing to the fearful ravages of the cholera, will make no corn.

Total number of lodges 5787, which would be a fraction over eight souls to the lodge.

The Indians have been extravagantly estimated by my predecessors in office  they having estimated the Sioux alone at 50,000 souls; and I am at a loss to know from what source they derived their information, as they could not have obtained it from the Indians themselves. There are nine tribes in the agency.

The Arickarees are situated on the Missouri river, between the Gros Ventres and Sioux, and are much better Indians than they have character for being. They are inclined to treachery, are thievish and great libertines, yet they are better Indians than the Blackfeet and Assinaboines, yet not so good as the Gros Ventres, Poncas, and others above mentioned.

The Crows, Blackfeet, and Assinaboines have made no improvement whatever, tenaciously adhering to all the ferocious customs and miserable expedients of savage life.

These Indians are excessively fond of ardent spirits (with the exception of the Crows, who have never been known to drink, or use strong liquors); are also thievish, treacherous, and are only to be kept under through fear; for they still continue to despise and hate the white man, and every effort made to gain their love and friendship has been made in vain.

Among the Shoshonies there are only two bands, properly speaking. The principal or better portion are called Shoshonies, or Snakes, who are rich enough to own horses; the others, the Shoshocoes, cannot or do not own horses. The principal chiefs of the Shoshonies are Momo, about forty-five years old, so called from a wound in his face or cheek, from a ball, that disfigures him; and Wiskin, Cut-hair.

Both bands number, probably, over 100 lodges, of four persons each; of the relative portion of each band no definite account can be given. Their language, with the exception of some Patois differences, is said to be that of the Comanche tribe. Their claim of boundary is, to the east, from the Red Buttes, on the North Fork of the Platte, to its head in the Park, Decayaque, or Buffalo Bull-pen, in the Rocky mountains; to the south, across the mountains, over to the Yanpapa, till it enters Green, or Colorado river, and then across to the backbone or ridge of mountains called the Bear River mountains, running nearly due west towards the Salt Lake, so as to take in most of the Salt Lake, and thence on to the Sinks of Harry's, or Humboldt's river; thence north to the fisheries, on the Snake river, in Oregon; and thence south (their northern boundary), to the Red Buttes, including the source of Green river  a territory probably 300 miles square, most of which has too high an elevation ever to be useful for cultivation of any sort. In most of these mountains and valleys it freezes every night in the year, and is, in summer, quite warm at noon, and to half-past three o'clock, P. M. Nothing whatever will grow, of grain or vegetables, but the most luxuriant and nutritious grasses grow in the greatest abundance, and the valleys are the richest of meadows.

The part of the Salt Lake valleys included in this boundary, the Cache valley, fifty by one hundred miles, and part of the valley near and beyond Fort Hall, down Snake river, can be cultivated, and with good results; but this forms a very small part of this country. How these people are to live, or even exist, for any length of time, I cannot by any means determine. Their support has, heretofore, been mostly game and certain roots, which, in their native state, are rank poison, called Tobacco root; but when put in a hole in the ground, and a large fire burned over them, become wholesome diet. The Mormon settlement in the Salt Lake valley has not only greatly diminished their formerly very great resource of obtaining fish out of the Utah lake and its sources, which, to them, was an important resource, but their settlement, with the great emigration there, and to California, has already nearly driven away all the game, and will unquestionably soon deprive them almost entirely of the only chances they have for food. This will, in a few years, produce a result not only disastrous to them, but must

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inevitably engage the sympathies of the nation. How this is to be avoided is a question of much difficulty; but it is, nevertheless, the more imperative on the Government, not only to discuss, but to put in practice, some mode of relief for these unfortunate people  the outside barriers, or inclosing mountains, of whose whole country are not only covered, in constant sight, with perpetual snow, but in whose lodges, every night in the year, ice is made over the water left in a basin, of near seven-eighths of an inch in thickness, except in three small places already named as exceptions; and two of these, the Salt Lake valley and the Snake river, are already taken from them by the whites, and there is little doubt but that the Cache valley will soon be so occupied.

The Utahs' claim of boundaries are all south of that of the Shoshonies, embracing the waters of the Colorado, going most probably to the Gulf of California. This is a much more fortunate location, and large portions of it are rich and fertile lands, and with a good climate. Their language is essentially Comanche, and although not technically, yet it is supposed to be substantially the same as that of the Shoshonies; for, although on first meeting they do not fully understand each other, yet, I am informed, four or five days' association enables them to converse freely together.

The general locality of the Blackfeet is understood to mean the country in which they reside or hunt, and is bounded as follows:  By a line beginning on the north, where the 50th parallel crosses the Rocky mountains; thence east on said parallel to the 106th meridian; thence south to the headwaters of Milk river, down said river to the Missouri; up the Missouri to the mouth of the Judith; thence up the Judith to its source; thence to the Rocky mountains, and north along their base to the place of beginning.

The country between the Missouri and the headwaters of the Yellowstone is unoccupied. It is the great road of the Blackfeet war-parties to and from the Crows, Flatheads, and Snakes. It is also the hunting-ground of the Flatheads and the Indian tribes generally of Washington Territory east of the Cascades, who resort hither at all seasons of the year to hunt buffalo.

The Blackfeet nation is divided into four distinct tribes or bands, names, numbers, and localities.

The above numbers of the four tribes of the Blackfeet nation are taken from Mr. Doty's enumeration. It is less than that of Mr. Stanley, who visited the Piegans in September last, and whose estimate of the Piegans, Bloods, and Blackfeet, was 1330 lodges, and 13,300 souls; and it is likewise less than my enumeration, derived from consulting all reliable sources of information in the Upper Missouri, and which made the four tribes of the Gros Ventres, Bloods, Piegans, and Blackfeet, amount to 14,400, or

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5230 more than the estimate of Mr. Doty. Mr. Doty has, however, had the opportunity of making an actual count of more than half these Indians.

The Bloods and the Blackfeet occupy the country upon the source of Marias and Milk rivers, and north to the 50th parallel of latitude.

The Piegans occupy the country between Milk and Marias rivers, upon Marias river and the Teton, and between the Teton and the Missouri.

The Gros Ventres occupy the country bordering upon Milk river from its mouth to the Territory of the Piegans. These Gros Ventres, although incorporated with, and now considered a part of, the Blackfoot nation, are clearly a band of Arrapahoes, who seceded from their nation some forty years since, passed over to the Crow Indians, and were plundered and killed by that nation, losing many of their women, and nearly all their horses and guns. They wandered over this country several years, plundered the forts at the north, were driven away by the Kootenais, and finally, in a destitute and most miserable condition, settled some thirty years since in the country they now occupy. The Blackfoot nation in a manner adopted them  i. e., made a lasting peace, and gave them many horses. The traders supplied them with guns and ammunition; their horses increased; they made many robes, and soon became wealthy; and are now more independent, saucy, and more unfriendly to the whites, than any other band of the Blackfeet.

The Bloods, Piegans, and Blackfeet, speak the same language, peculiar to the Blackfoot nation.

The Gros Ventres speak the Arrapahoe language, which is not understood by any white man or Indian, not of their tribe, in this country. Most of the Gros Ventres, however, speak the Blackfoot sufficiently for purposes of trade.

Their character is warlike. They are warriors and horse-thieves by profession and practice, and are always at war with some, or all, of the neighbouring nations.

TABLE XV.
TEXAS INDIANS OF SOUTHERN ORIGIN, 1851.
[JESSE STEM.]

No.

Names.

Tribal strength.

Total.

Warriors.

1.

Towaccarros

141

293

90

2.

Wacoes

114

3.

Keechies

38

4.

Caddoes

161

476

161

5.

Andaicos

202

6.

Ionies

113

7.

Delawares

63

31

8.

Shawnees

70

35

Total

902

317

There has been, and still is, a great want of certain information as to the numbers and condition of the various tribes in Texas. While among these Indians I endeavoured to ascertain their exact numbers, and with this view induced the chiefs to go among their people and count them. Having no system of numbers, they enumerated only with their fingers, or by means of bundles of sticks. They brought me a bundle of sticks for each tribe.

The above is the enumeration furnished me, which I consider very accurate.

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TABLE XVI.
OFFICIAL LOCAL ESTIMATE OF NORTH OREGON IN 1851.
[DR. DART.]

Undoubtedly a large majority of the Nez Perces are in Washington Territory; but the major part of the Cayuses, Walla-wallas, and the Dalles Indians, are in Oregon.

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TABLE XVIII.
INDIANS IN OREGON IN 1849.  [GOV. JOSEPH LANE.]

1. Shoshonies  one tribe 700  total

2,000

2. Ponishta Bonacks, Snake river

550

3. Coutenay

400

4. Flatheads, or Salish

320

5. Colespelin

1,200

6. Ponderas, Squeailips

1,200

7. Colville, or Little Flathead Indians

800

8. Coeur d'Alene

400

9. Spokane

1,000

10. Oukinagans

700

11. Sempoiles

500

12. Nez Perces

1,500

13. Paloos

300

14. Cayuse

800

15. Walla-walla

1,000

16. Des Chutes

300

17. Wascopan

200

18. Cascades

100

19. Clackamas

60

20. Willamette

20

21. Clickatais

85

22. Calipoa

60

23. Sualtine

60

24. Yam Hill

90

25. Sackanoir

15

26. Umpqua

200

27. Hilleamuck

200

28. Clatsaconin

300

29. Clatsop

50

30. Catelamet

58

31. Calooit

200

Total

14,168

NORTH OF THE COLUMBIA (NOW WASHINGTON).  MR. THORNTON.]

1. Makaw, Cape Flattery

1,000

2. Nooselalum Dunginass

1,400

3. Snoquamish

500

4. Homamish

500

5. Twanoh, Wood's canal

200

6. Squallymish, &c., of Nisqually

550

7. Sinamish of Whidley's Island

350

8. Snoqualamick

350

9. Skeywhomish

450

10. Skagots

500

11. Nookluolamic

220

12. Cowlitz

120

13. Chinooks

120

14. Chehalis

300

15. Kathlamit

150

16. Telhuemit

200

17. Wyampam

130

18. Yacamas

1,500

19. Piscahoos

350

Total

8,910

-- 702 --

Gov. Lane concludes:

"Surrounded, as many of the tribes and bands now are by the whites, whose arts of civilization, by destroying the resources of the Indians, doom them to poverty, want and crime, the extinguishment of their title by purchase, and the locating them in a district removed from the settlements, is a measure of the most vital importance to them. Indeed, the cause of humanity calls loudly for their removal, from causes and influences so fatal to their existence. This measure is one of equal interest to our own people."

On the settlement of Oregon, the most considerable of the Indian tribes, spread over that portion of the country, were those stretching north of Klamath river, of California, and the northern boundary line of this State, up the Pacific coast. They consisted of thirteen bands, bearing separate names, the most considerable and prominent of which were the four bands clustering about the confluence of the river, which, from their bad faith in trade, had been called by the early French traders, Coquille, or Rogue river Indians. These four bands bore the names Nassoma, Okreletan, Yah Shutes, and Tototens; and, as the whole group of these seacoast tribes speak dialects of the same language, they may be grouped together under the name of TOTONIC. About the year 1850, they were united in a league for defensive purposes, at the head of which there was a chief of some note called Chal Nah, and the combination of tribes, it is affirmed, bore the name of Tutoten.

The principal wars have been with these Totones, who have suffered a rapid declension of their numbers, partly owing to internal discords, and partly through hostilities with the settlers. The names and numbers of the bands, with their principal chiefs and residence, is embraced in the above table.

Estimate. The upper of these bands are mixed with the Klikatats; the lower with the Cowlitz-

2.

Lower Chinooks  Chinook band

Columbia river, below the Cowlitz.

32

34

66

116

One of these is intermarried with the Cowlitz; the rest with Chihalis.

3.

Four others (estimate)

Shoal water bay

50

4.

Chihalis

Gray's harbor, and Lower Chihalis river.

100

300

Estimate.

5.

Chihalis

Northern Forks, Chihalis river

200

6.

Cowlitz and Upper Chihalis.

On Cowlitz river, and the Chihalis, above the Satsop.

165

The two have become altogether intermarried.

7.

Taitinapan

Base of mountains on Cowlitz, &c.

75

Estimate.

8.

Quinaitle, &c.

Coast from Gray's harbor, northward.

500

Estimate.

9.

Makáhs

Cape Flattery and vicinity

150

Estimate.

10.

S'Klallams

Straits of Fuca

11.

Kahtai

Port Townsend

67

88

155

850

12.

Kaquaith

Port Discovery

24

26

50

13.

Stehllum

New Dungeness False

79

91

170

14.

All others

Dungeness, &c., westward

475

Estimate.

15.

Chimakum

Port Townsend

70

16.

Toánhooch

Hood's canal

123

109

265

465

Some of the women omitted in the count; but estimated.

17.

Shokomish

Hood's canal, upper end

200

Shokomish, estimated.

18.

Quáks'namish

Case's inlet, &c.

19

21

40

170

19.

S'Hotlemamish

Carr's inlet, &c.

14

13

27

20.

Sahéhwamish

Hammersly's inlet, &c.

11

12

23

21.

Sawámish

Totten's inlet, &c.

2

1

3

22.

Squaiaitl

Eld's inlet, &c.

22

23

45

23.

Stéhchasámish

Budd's inlet, &c.

20

Estimate.

24.

Noosechatl

South bay

12

Estimate.

25.

Squalliahmish, 6 bands

Nisqually river and vicinity

84

100

184

209

26.

Steilacoomamish

Steilacoom creek and vicinity

25

27.

Puyallupamish

Mouth of Puyallup river, &c.

50

100

Estimate.

28.

T'quaquamish

Heads of Puyallup river, &c.

50

29.

Suquamish

Peninsula between Hood's canal and Admiralty inlet.

215

270

485

518

30.

S'Homámi sh

Vashon's island

16

15

33

31.

Dwamish

Lake Fork, Dwamish river

89

73

162

351

32.

Samamish

Dwamish lake, &c.

71

30

101

33.

S'ketéhlmish

34.

Smelkámish

Head of White river

8

35.

Skopeáhurish

Head of Green river

50

36.

Stkámish

Main White river

30

37.

Sinahomish

South end of Whitby's island, Sinahomish river.

161

138

350

845

Part of the women omitted; but included in the total.

38.

N'quutlmamish

Upper branches, north side, Sinahomish river.

300

Estimate.

39.

Skywhamish

40.

Sktahlejum

41.

Snoqualmook

South fork, Sinahomish river

195

42.

Stoluchwámish

Stoluchwámish river, &c.

200

275

43.

Kikiallis

Kikiallis R., and Whitby's Island.

75

44.

Skagit

Skagit river, and Penn's cove

300

600

Estimate.

45.

N'quachamish

Branches of Skagit river

300

46.

Smaléhhu

47.

Miskaiwhu

48.

Sakuméhu

49.

Squinamish

North end Whitby's island, canoe passage and Sinamish river.

300

Estimate.

50.

Swodámish

51.

Sinaahmish

52.

Samish

Samish R., and Bellingham bay.

150

Estimate.

53.

Nooksáak

South fork, Lummi river

450

Estimate.

54.

Lummi

Lummi river, and peninsula

450

Estimate.

55.

Shimiahmoo

Between Lummi Point and Frazer's river.

250

Estimate.

Total

7559

-- 704 --

TABLE XXI.
WINNEBAGOES IN 1856.
[J. E. FLETCHER.]

Tribal strength in 1856.

Increase.

Total.

Winnebago Bands

1715

39

1754

At a census recently taken, there were seventeen hundred and fifty-four members of the tribe present, being an increase of thirty-nine over the number reported last year.

The improvements made have fallen far short of our intentions. We have only nine hundred and forty-three acres of land ploughed, in forty-two fields of different sizes, all of which are not yet enclosed. We have five thousand six hundred and forty rods of fence. Two hundred acres have been cultivated in wheat, fifty acres in oats, two hundred and thirteen acres in corn, one hundred and seventy-three acres in potatoes, one hundred and nine acres in ruta baga and white turnips, and six acres in peas, beans, and buckwheat. The Indians cultivated three hundred and eighty-seven acres of the aforesaid land after it was ploughed for them, and also cultivated numerous gardens, which they dug up with the hoe. Our crops, with the exception of a part of the corn, will be a fair average with the crops raised in the adjacent counties. The Indians used the scythes furnished them as a part of their annuity goods, and have made about one hundred and fifty tons of hay, and two hundred and seventy tons have been made by employées. A blacksmith shop, with two forges, a carpenter shop, a warehouse, fourteen dwelling-houses, a school-house, and a few stables, are the principal buildings erected. The loss of the dam at the saw-mill was a serious drawback on our means for building. The mill is now in operation; we have lumber seasoning, and the Indians will be assisted in building houses this fall.

This tribe, at their last two annuity payments, received per capita an unusually large amount of money. I was directed to observe and report the effect produced. Some few have learned to use their money with economy, but with the majority the result has been to encourage idleness and dissipation. The policy of paying annuity to Indians in money is objectionable. Necessity must be relied on mainly in effecting their civilization. They are indolent from inclination and habit, and will not work so long as they have any other dependence for a living.

TABLE XXII.
INDIAN TRIBES IN THE UNITED STATES WITH WHOM INTERCOURSE WAS KEPT UP BY AGENTS, IN 1855. 931

Although these three tribes have been living contiguous to, and had intercourse with the whites, they unfortunately appear only to have learned their vices. The Omahas, as I have been informed by their interpreter, have given, in the last twelve months, some 30 horses for whiskey, not getting more for a pony than from two to four gallons, and that well watered. This trade has been carried on by the Pottawatamie half-breeds, on the opposite side of the river. The river was frozen over for the most part of last winter, which gave them great facilities in crossing for the article. It appears almost impossible to prevent them from getting it. I am sorry to state that there are men who live on or near the State line of Missouri, who keep whiskey, as I am told, to sell to these half-breeds and Indians. These unfortunate creatures, when spoken to about the impropriety of drinking, frequently reply, the white man makes it and sells it to us. Nothing short of divine or supernatural power will reform or cure their thirst for whiskey. I am in great hopes that the late amendment to the law in regard to making an Indian a competent witness, will have a salutary influence in the Indian country; and could it reach those base men who keep it along the line, for the purpose of selling to the Indians, it would, in a great degree, effect the desired object.

The Omahas were once a considerable tribe, but, from the ravages of cholera, smallpox, and wars, they are reduced to but little more than one thousand. At present there are a great many children among them.

This estimate is made from the best information that could be obtained from the Indians by frequent inquiry on the subject.

These Indians range promiscuously across our frontier, from Red river to the Rio Grande, during the greater portion of the year, and seek shelter during the winter in the upper cross timbers of Texas, between the head waters of the Colorado river and the Wichita mountains. They have, for the last two years, shown a disposition to establish friendly relations with the government and citizens of the United States.

With several of the bands our intercourse has been extremely limited, for the want of proper means, and a sufficient number of agents, or men, calculated to cultivate friendly intercourse. This has been particularly the case with the Kiowas, the Apaches, and the upper bands of Comanches.

The only serious misunderstanding that exists with any of the tribes is that growing out of the attacks on the Wichitas and Lipans last summer. All intercourse with them has ceased for some months past; and it will be impossible to adjust those differences satisfactorily, without money or presents to give them as indemnity, they claiming to be the aggrieved party.

Most of the tribes are disposed to cultivate the soil; and, by proper encouragement could be induced, in a short period, to settle down and turn their attention to farming. By the laws of this State, the right of soil is denied the Indians; consequently they have made but small progress in farming. The advance of the white settlements, since the annexation of Texas, has been so rapid, that the Indians were led to believe they would ultimately be driven out of the country.

-- 709 --

TABLE XXVIII.
PUEBLO INDIANS OF NEW MEXICO IN 1851.
[GOV. J. S. CALHOUN.]
From a note addressed to Governor Munroe by O. H. Merritt, marshal, I learn that the aggregate of the population of New Mexico amounts to 61,574, including, as I have reason to suppose, soldiers, Government teamsters, and Pueblo Indians. There are not, in my opinion, 300 American citizens in this Territory unconnected with the army, and many of these remain upon compulsion. The population of the Territory has suffered considerable diminution during the past year. The causes I have already placed before you, and the same causes are yet in full force.
The marshal's return of the census to the department will show, as I am informed by the assistant marshals, the population of the Pueblos named below to be as follows:

Taos

361

Picaris

222

San Juan

568

Santa Clara

279

San Ildefonso

139

Pojodque

48

Tesuque

119

Nambe

111

Zuni

1500

Laguna

749

Acoma

350

Lentis

210

Isletta

751

Sandia

241

Cia

124

Santana

399

Jenies

365

San Felipe

411

Santa Domingo

666

Cochiti

254

Total

7867

This, you will remember, does not include the two Pueblos below El Paso, nor the seven Moque Pueblos.

Aggregate of census return

61,574

Pueblo Indians

7,867

Total

53,707

Americans, Mexicans, and all others, 53,707.

-- 710 --

TABLE XXIX.
INDIAN TRIBES, OR BANDS, OF THE SACRAMENTO VALLEY, CALIFORNIA.
[A. JOHNSON.]

The Indians of the Valley of the Sacramento are not a warlike people. They possess no war clubs, scalping-knife, or tomahawks, so universally used by the Indians east of the Sierra Nevada. They are mostly indolent, docile, and tractable, but many of them are thievish; they are fond of dress of almost any kind, and readily learn the more simple arts of agriculture.

The construction of their huts and villages is much the same. They are constructed by excavating the earth, the size of the room or lodge they desire, some five feet deep. This is covered over with a dome-like top several feet above the surface of the earth. In the centre of the roof, or dome, there is generally an aperture or opening, which serves the double purpose of admitting light, and letting the smoke escape. This is the only opening in the lodge, except the entrance, which is in the side, and barely large enough to admit a human body. Through this they enter, feet foremost, on their hands and knees. When once inside these lodges they are not uncomfortable. The thickness of the earth over them prevents the sun from penetrating them in the hot season, while in the colder season, they protect them from the winds.

The men and children are, in general, naked. Some of them have obtained a few articles of clothing from the whites, such as shirts, handkerchiefs, &c., of which they seem quite proud. The females are also without any covering, except what they call the "Du-ceh." This is nothing more than a bunch of grass or rushes, about one foot in length, suspended from a belt or girdle around the waist, in front and in the rear.

I could discover no distinction in their customs, habits of life, or their general language, which could induce me to think they were not originally the same people. Indeed, their customs and manner of living are in many respects almost identical. Their huts, or lodges, are constructed in the same manner. They do not scalp those whom they kill, but universally throw the dead body into water. They all burn the dead.

They all subsist on roots and grass-seed from the earth, acorns and pine seeds from the trees, and fish from the streams. Acorns, nuts, and shell-fish are gathered in great quantities, and stored in magazines prepared for the purpose. Within the short period since the occupancy of this country by the whites, the red man has been fast fading away. Many have died with disease, and others fled to the mountains, to enjoy, for a brief period, their primeval sports of hunting and fishing. Almost the entire tribes of the Costanoes, or Coast Indians, have passed away. Of the numerous tribes which but a few years ago inhabited the country bordering on the Bay of San Francisco, scarcely an individual is left.

1. In the valleys of Sonora and Russian river there may be in all, say

1200

2. On Clear Lake and mountains adjacent

1000

3. In the two first valleys of south fork of Eel river, with language and customs similar to the above, and who should be colonized with them, from 1000 to 1100, say

1100

4. On the coast from the old Russian settlement at Fort Ross, down to San Francisco, and around the bay, by St. Raphael, Pelatoma, &c.

500

5. On the mountains and valleys of Eel river, South, Middle, and Vanderson's forks, and about its mouth

500

6. From the mouth of Eel river south, on  river, Cape Mendocino, and to Fort Ross, say

400

7. On Humboldt bay, and north to Mad river, a mile or so above the head of the bay

300

Total

5000

In California I have found the Indian population almost universally overrated as to numbers, and underrated as to intelligence and capacity for improvement. From information at Benicia, Sonoma, &c., I was led to expect that I should find some 2000 or 3000 Indians on Russian river, at least 3000 on Clear Lake, and 2500 or 3000 on Eel river. After passing through their country, and counting every soul in some half a dozen rancheros, to test the accuracy of their own estimates as well as those of the whites, I make the actual number less than one-half, generally about two-fifths of the number usually estimated by the settlers below.

Having as yet visited but one or two rancheros on the coast, I do not offer the above estimate with much confidence, though I think it approximates the truth, while it is only about one-third or one-fourth of the number generally estimated by the old settlers. For many years past the Indian population has been rapidly diminishing by diseases introduced by the whites, internal dissensions, and, in some cases, by want of food. At Humboldt bay, and at other places on the coast, where they depend almost wholly on fish and crabs, many sicken and die every winter; and if the benevolent designs of our Government for their preservation and improvement are not speedily set in operation, and vigorously prosecuted, the Indians, now wearing out a miserable existence along the coast, will all die off.

Back on the rivers and mountains, the Indians are generally a hale, healthy, vigorous-looking people, though of small stature. They are all docile in their habits, and evince a, great desire to learn our language and the arts of agriculture; with proper instructions, and assistance for a few years, I have entire confidence in their reclamation from ignorance, idleness, and heathenism, and their ability to maintain themselves and families.

INTERIOR TRIBES NORTH OF SAN FRANCISCO.

Tribes and principal Chiefs.

Men.

Women.

Children.

Total.

NALOH, Carlotsapo

30

26

19

75

CHOWECHAK, Chedochog

25

25

27

77

CHOITEU, Misalah

34

42

13

89

BACOWA, Tuwanah

23

29

28

80

SAMINDA, Cachenah

15

25

19

59

Total

380

-- 712 --

TABLE XXXI.
VITAL STATISTICS OF OSAGES IN 1850.
[H. HARVEY.]

Total population

4561

Births during the year

150

Deaths during the year

73

Deaths namely, Men

17

Deaths namely, Women

25

Deaths namely, Children

81

Aged and helpless males

18

Aged and helpless females

15

Cripples, entirely helpless

25

Total, requiring to be taken care of

75

The great and little Osages number, according to the "pay-roll" I have made out with much care, and which is believed to be correct, 4561 souls. They have no farms, except those belonging to the half-breeds, the head chief George Whitehair, and a few others. The half-breeds manage their farms well; but, owing to the drought the past summer, the corn was all ruined. Most of the Indians who had no ground enclosed, planted lots of corn along the water-courses, where they could dig the ground with hoes, and thus cultivate the corn, and that, at so great a distance from their villages, as to be out of danger from being destroyed by their horses, and what little other stock they have. These lots of corn their women cultivated, until all went on their "summer hunt," but on their return, recently, they found no corn, but all entirely ruined. I think I may safely say, that there were not (including the missionaries and half-breeds, who tended their crops well), 100 bushels of corn raised within the limits of the Osage nation this season. This is a sad affair for these Indians, and leaves them in a very destitute condition; as much so as they were in a few years since, when the flood swept their corn off. That subject then claimed the favourable attention of government, which I hope will now be the case, in this equally calamitous dispensation of Divine Providence.

The Osages have been remarkably healthy the present year, which will appear from the number of deaths, which have been ascertained and will be seen in this report.

They have drunk very little liquor in the nation, as may readily be inferred from the fact that but one murder has been committed the past year within the nation, and that was done when the parties were stupefied with whiskey.

-- 713 --

TABLE XXXII.
UPPER PLATTE AGENCY IN 1856.
[THOMAS S. TWISS.]

Tribes.

Lodges.

Average to the Lodges.

Warriors to the Lodges.

Total Warriors.

Total Indians.

1. Ogellalas

450

5 1/2

2

2225

2475

2. Brulé Sioux

250

5 1/2

2

500

1375

3. Arapahoes

160

5 1/2

2

300

580

4. Cheyennes

140

5 1/2

2

280

770

Total

1000

3305

5200

In reference to the population of the Indian tribes within the range of this agency, I would observe that, from a careful enumeration of the Sioux bands, denominated the Ogellala and Brulé bands of the Upper Platte, by counting the lodges when they came to receive the annuity goods due under treaty stipulations, and also of the Arapahoe band of this agency, I find accurately, that the

Ogellala band has

450 lodges,

Brulé band has

250 lodges,

Arapahoe band has

160 lodges,

Cheyenne band has

140 lodges,

Total

1000 lodges.

The enumeration of the Cheyenne band was made one year ago. As to the number of persons for each lodge, I am of the opinion that a fair average will not exceed five and a half (5 1/2), making a total of 5500 souls, men, women, and children, for 1000 lodges. The number of warriors, or those capable of using the bow and arrow against their enemies, I should estimate at two for each lodge, making 2000 warriors for 1000 lodges. The population is only about one person to twenty-five square miles, which is a sparse population even for an Indian country. The white population is limited to the Indian traders and their employées, in all not exceeding 100 persons, and to the garrisons of the military posts at Fort Laramie, and the bridge crossing of the North Platte, which will average not far from 400 men. Total whites, 500.

In truth and in fact, there are no actual settlers nor settlements within the agency. The right of soil still remains with the Indian tribes.

-- 714 --

TABLE XXXIII.
A LISTOf the different Nations and Tribes of Indians in the Northern Districts of North America, with the number of their Fighting-men, &c., &c.  BY THOMAS HUTCHINS.  Topographical Description, &c.: London, 1778.

No.

Names.

No. of each.

Their Dwelling-grounds.

Their Hunting-grounds.

1.

MOHOCKS

160

Mohock river.

Between Mohock river and Lake George.

2.

ONEIDAS

300

East side of Oneida Lake, and on the head waters of the East branch of Susquehanna.

In the country where they live.

3.

TUSCARORAS

200

Between the Oneidas and Onondagas.

Between Oneida Lake and Lake Ontario.

4.

ONONDAGOES

260

Near the Onondaga Lake.

Between the Onondago Lake and the mouth of the Seneca river, near Oswego.

5.

CAYUGAS

200

On two small lakes called the Cayugas, near the North branch of Susquehanna.

Near the north branch of Susquehanna.

6.

SENECAS

1,000

Seneca country, on the waters of Susquehanna, the waters of Lake Ontario, and on the heads of Ohio river.

Their chief hunting county, where they live.

7.

AUGHQUAGAS

150

East branch of Susquehanna river, and on Aughquaga.

On the East branch of Susquehanna, and on Aughquaqga.

8.

NANTICOKES

100

Utfonango, Chaghnet, Oswego, and on the East branch of Susquehanna.

Where they respectively reside.

9.

MOHICKONS

100

10.

CONOYS

30

11.

MUNSAYS

150

At Diahago and other villages up the North branch of Susquehanna.

Where they respectively reside.

12.

SAPOONES

30

13.

DELAWARES

150

14.

DELAWARES

600

Between the Ohio and Lake Erie, and on the branches of Beaver creek, Muskingum, and Gugehago.

Between the Ohio river and Lake Erie.

15.

SHAWANOES

300

On Sioto and a branch of Muskingum.

Between the Ohio river and Lake Erie.

16.

WAYONDOTTS

300

In villages near Sandusky.

On the head branches of Sioto.

17.

MONHICKONS

18. 18.

COGHNAWAGAS

19.

TWIGHTWEES

250

Miami river near Fort Miami.

On the ground where they reside.

20.

KICKAPOOS

1,000

On the Wabash and its branches.

Between the mouth of the Wabash and the Miami rivers.

21.

PYANKESHAWS

22.

MUSQUITONS

23.

KASKASKIAS

300

Near the settlements in the Illinois country.

In the Illinois country.

24.

PIORIAS

25.

MITCHIGAMAS

26.

WIYONDOTTS

250

Near Fort Detroit.

About Lake Erie.

27.

OTTAWAS

400

28.

PUTAWATIMES

150

29.

CHEPAWAS AND

200

On Saginaw bay, a part of Lake Huron.

On Saginaw bay and Lake Huron.

30.

OTTAWAS

31.

KICKAPOOS

400

Near the entrance of Lake Superior, and not far from St. Mary's.

About Lake Superior.

32.

CHEPAWAS

550

Near Bay Puan, a part of Lake Michigan.

About Bay Puan and Lake Michigan.

33.

MYNOMANIES

34.

SAUKEYS

35.

PUTAWATIMES

200

Near Fort St. Joseph's.

The country between Lake Michigan and the Miami fort.

36.

OTTAWAS

150

37.

KICKAPOOSES

4,000

On Lake Michigan, and between it and the Mississippi.

Where they respectively reside.

38.

OUTTAGOMIES

39.

MUSQUATON S

40.

MUSCOTINS

41.

OUTTAMACKS

42.

MUSQUAKEYS

43.

OSWEGATCHES

100

At Swagatchey in Canada, and on the river St. Lawrence.

Near where they live.

44.

CONNEFEDAGOES

300

Near Montreal.

Near where they live.

45.

COGNAWAGOES

46.

ORONDOCKS

100

Near Trois river.

Near where they live.

47.

ABONAKIES

150

48.

ALAGONKINS

100

49.

LA SUE

10,000

Westward of Lake Superior and the Mississippi.

In the country where they reside.

50.

OTTAWAS

200

On the east side of Lake Michigan, twenty-one miles from Michilimackinac.

In the country between Lakes Michigan and Huron.

51.

CHEPAWAS

1,000

On Lake Superior, and the islands in that lake.

Round Lake Superior.

Total

23,830

-- 715 --

TABLE XXXIV.
CENSUS OF CAYUGAS, 1855.

Residence.

Heads of Families.

Men.

Women.

Children.

Total.

In the State of New York

48

29

37

77

143

201

West of Mississippi river

10

58

TABLE XXXV.
CALIFORNIA INDIANS.
[THOMAS J. HENLY.]
The number of Indians now collected and residing upon reservations is 

At Klamath

2500

At Nome Lacke

2000

At Mendocino

500

At Fresno

900

At Tejon

700

At Nome Cult valley (attached to Nome Lacke)

3000

At King's river (attached to Fresno)

400

Making in all ten thousand.

The number of Indians not connected with the reserves cannot be correctly estimated.

The following statement is made up from the most reliable information I have been able to obtain:

In Tuolumne, Calaveras, San Joaquin, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties

4,100

In Sacramento, Eldorado, and Placer counties

3,500

In Sutter, Yuba, Nevada, and Sierra counties

3,500

In Butte, Shasta, and Siskiyou counties

5,500

In Klamath, Humboldt, and Trinity counties

6,500

In Mendocino, Colusi, Yolo, Napa, Sonoma, and Marin counties

15,000

Making the total number of Indians within this superintendence 61,600.

At the date of my assuming the duties of superintendent of Indian affairs for this State, the system of colonizing and subsisting Indians upon reservations selected for that purpose, and instructing them in the arts of agricultural labour, &c., had been commenced, and a reservation selected at the Tejon Pass, in the northern part of the State.

This reservation is in a prosperous condition. The number of Indians who reside here is 700. The quantity of land in cultivation this year is about seven hundred acres, five hundred of which are in wheat and barley, and the remainder in corn and vegetables; most of the latter being the exclusive property of the Indians, cultivated entirely by them, and in their own way. The Indians work cheerfully, and perform all the labour upon the farm, white men being only employed as overseers and mechanics. Owing to the extraordinary drought of the past season, in that portion of the State, the product of the farm is much less than it should have been; enough, however, has been produced for the consumption of the place.

-- 716 --

There are on the reserve eight adobe buildings  the first of which is one hundred feet in length by twenty-four feet in breadth, two stories high; it is used as a granary and storehouse. The second is the residence of the agent, and is sixty feet in length by twenty feet in breadth. The remainder are residences of the Indian chiefs, and are about forty feet in length by twenty feet in breadth. All the labour of building these houses was performed by Indians, except the mechanical part of it. The mill is in complete order, and by it all the grain produced upon the place is manufactured into unbolted flour before it is issued to the Indians. The property used in conducting the farm is twenty-six horses, thirty-eight mules, seven oxen, eight wagons, and fourteen ploughs.

FRESNO AND KING'S RIVER FARMS.  Owing to the difficulty of procuring a suitable location for a reservation in the central portion of the State, no permanent selection has yet been made; but, in order to provide for the Indians according to the intentions of the government, land has been rented at Fresno and King's river, and the Indians collected and subsisted at these points in the same manner as upon permanent reservations. The crops consist of 700 acres of wheat and barley, and 100 acres of corn. Owing to the drought, the wheat and barley crop was an entire failure. The corn, having been irrigated, will be an ordinary crop. This failure of the crops will be a source of serious difficulty to the superintendency. There are about three thousand Indians in the vicinity of these farms, all of whom could have been provided with food had the crops been successful. The drought having been general in this region, grain can only be purchased at exorbitant rates, such as would not be justifiable except to prevent starvation. Every precaution, however, has been taken to avoid the consequences of this misfortune. The agents have been instructed to turn the attention of the Indians to their mode of living before the care of the government had been extended over them; and parties have been sent to the mountains, in various directions, to collect acorns, berries, seeds, and such other food as they were formerly accustomed to subsist upon; and, as if to demonstrate the fact that Providence never leaves any portion of the human family entirely unprovided with the means to sustain life, the phenomenon exists that the salmon, which for several years have failed to make their appearance in the San Joaquin river in any numbers worth mentioning, are this year abundant in that stream, and the prospect seems to be that the threatened famine will be in a great degree averted by this providential supply of fish from the ocean, though it is distant from the coast, by the meandering of the stream, some three hundred miles. A portion of the Indians from the farms have been removed to and encamped upon the river, and every facility furnished them for catching and curing fish, which, should the supply continue, will enable them to provide a sufficient quantity for a great portion of the winter. Another source, which is now looked upon as of great importance, is the Tule lake, lying about fifty miles northwest of the San Joaquin river, which abounds with fish of excellent quality, and is, during the winter season, the resort of an unlimited number of wild geese and ducks, from which the Indians have heretofore, when undisturbed by the whites, obtained a comfortable subsistence. Agents Lewis and Ridley are now examining the lake country for a suitable location, to which, if found, it is intended to remove some ten or fifteen hundred of the Indians for support during the winter. Although the prospect for these Indians seems to be gloomy, yet I have great confidence that, by industry, energy, and judicious management, we shall be enabled to provide for them in such a way as to prevent starvation, and preserve the peace of the country.

Passing from the Fresno, we have a much more cheering prospect at Nome Lacke reservation, at which place there are collected about two thousand Indians. Land in cultivation, one thousand acres; estimated product of wheat, fifteen thousand bushels; corn, pumpkins, melons, turnips, and other vegetables in great abundance. Nothing in the pursuits of industry could have been more satisfactory or interesting than the harvesting of the wheat crop; it was cut entirely with small German reaping-hooks, which were used by the Indians with extraordinary dexterity. About two hundred men, furnished with these sickles, cut the wheat and threw it into bunches, and were followed by a sufficient number of women and boys to bind it into sheaves and put it into stacks ready for threshing. In this way, and at their leisure, in about ten days, taking it as it ripened, the entire harvesting was completed, all the labour having been performed by the Indians, only three or four white men being engaged as overseers. It was estimated by the white men in charge of the work, that one hundred of these Indians could be selected, who would cut and take care of as much grain as any fifty white men not regularly

-- 717 --

accustomed to this description of labour. Considering the fact that these Indians eighteen months ago were entirely wild, and totally ignorant of everything connected with industrial habits, the labour they have performed, and the skill and dexterity with which they perform their work, is alone a sufficient answer to the question so often asked, "Can Indians be made to perform labour sufficient to provide for their support?" It is a fact, too, worthy of particular remark, that all this labour has been most cheerfully performed, no coercion or chastisement having been necessary. Attached to Nome Lacke a farm has recently been established at Nome Cult valley. This valley is located in the coast range of mountains, about forty miles east of Cape Mendocino, and there are in the vicinity about three thousand Indians. The farm is placed in charge of three of the employees from Nome Lacke. The Indians are now engaged, under the direction of the persons in charge of them, in collecting acorns, manzanito berries, and other wild food for their winter supply, of which there will be plenty for their subsistence until crops can be produced for their support. There are on the Nome Lacke reserve three adobe houses, one flouring mill, and fourteen frame houses. In addition to these improvements, there is in the course of erection an adobe building intended for a fortification. It is to be one hundred feet square, with a thick adobe wall ten feet high. In the centre will be erected a two-story substantial adobe building, which will be used as a guard-house and prison. The property used in conducting this farm are twenty-five horses, eight mules, seventy-seven oxen, twenty-one ploughs, and five wagons.

Klamath reservation is located on the river of that name, which discharges its waters into the Pacific ocean twenty miles south of Crescent city.

The Indians at this place number about two thousand. They are proud and somewhat insolent, and not inclined to labour, alleging that, as they have always heretofore lived upon the fish of the river, and the roots, berries, and seeds of their native hills, they can continue to do so if left unmolested by the whites, whose encroachments upon what they call their country they are disposed to resist. Their prejudices upon these points are fast giving way before the policy of the government, and no serious difficulty will be encountered in initiating the system of labour among them. The land on this river is peculiarly adapted to the growth of vegetables, and it is expected that potatoes and other vegetable food, which can be produced in any abundance, together with the salmon and other fish which abound plentifully in the Klamath river, shall constitute the principal food for these Indians. It is confidently expected in this way to avoid the purchase of beef, which forms so expensive an item at those places where there is no substitute for it. The establishment of the Klamath reserve has undoubtedly prevented the spread of the Indian wars of Oregon down into northern California. There are on this reserve five log houses, seven board houses, four slab houses, one smoke-house, one poultry-house, and thirty Indian huts. The property used in conducting the farming operations is two mules, thirteen oxen, and six ploughs.

Mendocino reservation is located fifty miles south of Cape Mendocino, on the Pacific coast. This reserve has been but recently established. The number of Indians at present collected there is about five hundred. They subsist almost entirely upon fish and muscles. They are furnished with boats, seines, and all the necessary tackle for fishing. A smoke-house has been erected, and the agent has a large number of Indians engaged in catching and curing fish for the winter supply of food. There are several rivers discharging into the ocean through this reserve, in which, at all seasons of the year, an abundant supply of fish can be taken. The coast at this point is somewhat shoaly, and the beach is covered with muscles, over which the tide ebbs and flows, and they are covered with an inexhaustible quantity of muscles, but little inferior in flavour and richness to oysters. These two articles will always, in case of a failure of crops upon the reserve, afford sustenance to the Indians without any other food. The land on this reserve, like that of the Klamath, will produce corn, wheat, oats, &c., but is peculiarly adapted to the production of vegetables. The quantity of land of this description amounts to several thousand acres, the products of which, with the fish and muscles of the rivers and coast in plentiful abundance, will afford support for a very large number of Indians; which I consider safe to estimate at not less than ten thousand. Indeed, I know of no location, either in California or elsewhere, so well adapted to the purposes of an Indian reservation as Mendocino. There are on this reserve eight houses. The property used to establish and carry on operations at this place is five horses, two mules, twenty-four oxen, one cart, and two ploughs.

-- 718 --

In regard to the system of colonizing and subsisting Indians on reservations, I have only to say that it has so far succeeded entirely beyond my expectations, and is, in my judgment, the only system that can be of any real benefit to the Indians. It enables the government to withdraw them from the contaminating influences of an unrestrained intercourse with the whites, and gives an opportunity to provide for them just such, and no more, assistance than their wants from time to time may actually require.

Indians should be treated as wards, and the government should act as their guardian, judging for them at all times of their real wants, and providing for them accordingly. This has been the policy pursued in the California superintendency, and I have so far found no difficulty in its application.

Senecas at Cattaraugus by adoption, but not entitled to annuities: Susan Kinjockety's family

1

3

8

Onondagas at Onondaga Castle

80

98

144

322

472

Onondagas with Senecas at Cattaraugus

9

6

17

32

Onondagas with Senecas at Alleghany

19

14

54

87

Onondagas with Senecas at Tonawanda

1

3

4

Onondagas with Tuscaroras at Tusearora

2

5

20

27

Total

110

124

238

Cayugas with Senecas

39

31

73

143

143

Tuscaroras at Tusearora

68

63

151

282

282

Oneidas at Oneida Castle

43

44

89

176

255

Oneidas with Senecas at Cattaraugus

4

1

1

6

Oneidas with Onondagas at Onondaga Castle

19

24

29

72

Oneidas with Senecas at Tonawanda

1

1

Total

66

70

119

Add Susan Kinjockety's family, who are not entitled to goods annuity

12

Total number of Six Nations of New York Indians.

3745

-- 719 --

Chapter II.  Fiscal Statistics.

THE policy of the American government respecting the Indians, is in nothing more marked than in the just and elevated tone of its financial transactions with them. Other nations, who preceded the present government, in their dealings with the Indians satisfied their sense of justice and benevolence by periodical presents and gratuities. Spain, France, and Great Britain acted upon this principle. The Revolution of 1776 put this matter on a different footing. The tribes were assembled in councils by their chiefs and principal warriors, and treated with as foreign nations. These treaties were laid before the Senate for its ratification. When so ratified they were proclaimed, as other treaties, and published to the world, with the records of our national diplomacy. Such has been the practice down to the present day. This record forms one of the most noble evidences of the national justice to the poor, ignorant, and feeble hunter tribes of America. The awards thus made to them for their lands have rapidly increased with the growth and prosperity of the States; and the system is destined to go on, in an accelerated ratio, while civilization requires lands, which the Indians can supply.

In 1820, the total sum required to meet the payment of Indian annuities was $152,575. 938 Nothing better evidences the increased demand for, and value of, the Indian lands, as also the progress of the intercourse with the tribes, than the rapid multiplication of the annuities paid to them. In 1851, the sum required to be paid in fulfilment of treaty stipulations was $868,833.04; in 1852, $1,001,201.74; in 1853, $1,472,605.58; and in 1854, $905,171.23. During the same period the aggregate of salaries and cost of management, rose from $147,033.43 to $195,550.68.

In the year 1855, the appropriation to meet the requirements of treaties was $1,505,762.76; and in 1856, $1,804,332.52. The entire appropriation, for all objects, during the XXXIst, XXXIId, and XXXIIId Congresses, was respectively, $5,556,850.36, $4,782,093.24, and $5,989,375.48. 939

The distribution of these sums amongst the different tribes, and the amounts vested in public stocks for their benefit, by the Treasury Department, are set forth in the subjoined tables, numbered I., II., III., IV., V., VI.

THE revision by me of these topics, in contemplation two years since, when the fifth volume was submitted to the public, was found to be impracticable, owing to the accumulated labor arising from the condensations required of me. At my request, the subject has been investigated by Mr. Langdon, who has evinced therein a spirit of appreciation and research, resulting in a degree of success, believed not to have been previously attained in this department.

Whatever may be advanced respecting the manners and character of the Indians, must necessarily be of subordinate importance to the details of their moral status. However much we may deplore the Indian's decadence, hope for his reformation, and desire his restoration to the family of civilized man, it is only by reference to moral data of the kind here exhibited, that we are able to understand truly, both what he now is, and what he is destined to be. Mr. Langdon's prominent activity in the vital cause of religious associations of the young men of the country, designated him as being eminently fitted for pursuing this investigation, and the results are presented in the peculiar form of tables, in which, by a coup d'oeil, the reader will be able to grasp all the facts, as detailed in Mr. Langdon's own words and mode of illustration.

A SUMMARY OF MISSIONS TO THE NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS.

[BY WM. CHAUNCY LANGDON, A. M.]

The following pages present a summary view of the efforts to civilize and evangelize the Indian which have been put forth by Christians of various creeds from the earliest days of North American colonization.

While it is manifest that, whatever amount of time were devoted to the labor, any hope of rendering complete a statement of this kind must be disappointed, the few weeks which have been allowed for the present investigation and the varied and scattered

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sources from which information has of necessity been sought have confined the results attained to an approximation which, however far it may fall short of what may be desired and of what has been attempted, it is yet believed will be found more full and complete than any compilation which has heretofore been made, and will serve as a useful base for a future investigator.

Deficient however as these pages may be and are in completeness, every effort has been made to attain accuracy; and it is believed that, if they contain errors, the fault lies with the authorities upon which reliance has been placed: and that therefore while they may often prove valueless as negative testimony, their positive evidence may be accepted with confidence.

The following tables are restricted in their field to that part of North America at present possessed either by the United States or by Great Britain: and they present, the one, the comparative chronology; and the other, the statistics of the various missions within that field for nearly three hundred years. These are, in each case, grouped chronologically under the several organizations by which they were respectively established, or to which they owed a fostering care; these organizations being themselves arranged in the order of time in which they first took active part in this work  although, in a few instances, this arrangement has been held subordinate to that of derivation.

There are two CHRONOLOGICAL TABLES, of which the first embraces the missions of those organizations whose labors were confined to, or have extended from, the colonial period; the second, of those whose initial labors are within the national era. The heavy lines on the chart represent the organizations themselves; the lighter lines, their several missions: in either case, their lateral extent over the lines which mark each fifth year showing the period of the active occupancy of their respective fields. The vertical lines represent transference, or the migration either of missionaries, of tribes, or of both, as the case may be. The dotted lines represent the continuance of a mission under other auspices than those in question.

Of the STATISTICAL TABLES, the one in like manner extends into the colonial, while the other is confined to the national era. The column of stations embraces "stations" and "out-stations" of all kinds; that of converts in no case, so far as known, embraces baptized infants; that of hearers is confined to the actual attendants upon public worship and the preaching of the gospel. The statistics of all abandoned missions are drawn, so far as possible, from the period of their best estate; those of existing missions, from the latest accessible reports  the number of converts, of course, being aggregates. In both sets of tables the missions still in existence are italicized.

In addition to the reports and publications of the various Societies and Boards referred to and to communications from their Secretaries  to whom, in a majority of cases, the statistics and data have been forwarded for verification  the following have

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been the principal of the works consulted (the precise reference to which has, in the case of the earlier missions, been given in a note, when the fact quoted might easily escape the search of an investigator):

Smith and Choules' History of Missions: Boston, 1832.
Fessenden's Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge: Brattleboro', 1835.
Newcomb's Cyclopedia of Missions: New York, 1854.
Allen's American Biographical Dictionary: 3d edition, Boston, 1857.
(To the author of which acknowledgments should be made for valuable manuscript information.)
Histoire de la Compagnie de Jésus: Paris, 1844.
Lettres Edifiantes et Curieuses: Lyons, 1819.
Shea's History of Catholic Missions: New York, 1855.
De Smet's History of Oregon Missions: New York, 1847.
Relation de la Nouvelle France, 6 Nos.: Paris, 1647-1667.
Mather's Magnalia: Hartford, 1820.
Mather's Life of Eliot: Boston, 1691.
Mayhew's Indian Converts: London, 1727.
Anderson's History of the Colonial Church: London, 1845.
Styles' Life of Brainerd: Boston, 1812.
Wheelock's Narrative of the Indian Charity School at Lebanon, Connecticut: Boston, 1763.
Wheelock's Continuations of the same: Boston, 1765 and 1771.
Wheelock's Continuations of the same, and at Hanover, New Hampshire: Boston, 1773-1775.
Brief Narrative of Wheelock's Indian Charity School: London, 1766.
Lothrop's Life of Kirkland,  Sparks' American Biography: Boston, 1847.
Loskiel's History of Missions of the United Brethren: London, 1794.
North American Indians and Friends: London, 1844.
Bowden's History of Friends in America: London, 1850.
Harvey's History of the Shawnee Indians: Cincinnati, 1855.
Proceedings of Joint Committee of Friends, relative to the Seneca Nation: Baltimore, 1847.
Lowrie's Manual of Missions of the Presbyterian Church: New York, 1855.
Strickland's History of Missions of the Methodist Episcopal Church: Cincinnati, 1854.

A CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE OR EVENTS IN THE HISTORY OF THE NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS.

A. D. 387. According to Alva, the Toltecs reach Huehuetlalpallan, in Mexico.

498. They found Tula.

510. They begin their monarchy.

870. The Färoe Islands are known and visited about this time by the Northmen, and by the Celts from the coasts of Iceland and the British group.

875. The natives of Iceland discovered by Naddod, of Norway, who, in an attempt to reach the Färoe Islands, is driven on the coast by storms.

953. The Toltec monarchy ends in Mexico.

963. The Chichemecs and Acolhuans, or Tezcocans, occupy the Valley of Mexico; and Xolotl, their first king, begins his reign.

983. Greenland is first settled by the Northmen, under Ingolf; having been seen by their bold navigators, and recognised, a century before.

986. Leif Erickson descries parts of the North American coast, being driven this year from off the Greenland coast towards the south; but he does not land.

1000. Scandinavian America is discovered by Lief, the son of Eric the Red, in a voyage from Greenland. He lands on some part along the coast, between Nova Scotia and Massachusetts, and reaches to about latitude 41° 30' North. The country is named Vinland.

1002. The Esquimaux are about this time supposed to occupy the Vinland coasts. They are called Skroellings, or Dwarfs, but are described as fierce and courageous.

1120. Eric Upsi undertakes a Christian mission from Greenland to Vinland. Huitramannaland (Virginia,) is, at this period, reported to have a Celtic element of population.

1160. The Aztecs leave Aztalan.

1200. Welch tradition affirms that a colony of Britons, led by Prince Madoc, sailed west to America.

1216. The Toltecs arrive in the Valley of Mexico.

1324. The foundation of the Indian city of Mexico, or Tenuchtitlan, is laid.

1375. Acamapichtei elected king

1st King.

1396. Huitzilihuitl succeeds

2d King.

1417. Chimalpopoca

3d King.

1427. Ytcoatl

4th King.

1440. Montezuma I.

5th King.

1469. Acayacatl

6th King.

1482. Tizoc

7th King.

1486. Ahuitzol

8th King.

Between the rise of the Toltec and Aztec monarchies, and the discovery of America, the Mississippi valley is supposed to have been occupied by numerous active, warlike tribes, who carried on destructive wars against each other.

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A.D. 1492. St. Domingo, or Hayti, the Caribs, and the Caribbean Islands, are discovered by Columbus (October 12th, O. S.), after having confidently predicted the existence of land in this quarter, from the study of the geography and hydrography of the globe.

1497. Cabot discovers the Algonquin families of the North American coast, from Lat. 56° to 36°, and thus lays the claim of England to the country. He landed at Newfoundland, named it, and had an interview with the Indians.

1500. Atotarho is supposed to rule the Iroquois at this period.

1502. Montezuma II. succeeds to the head of the Mexican Indian empire.

1512. Ponce de Leon lands in Florida, and bestows this name on all North America, north of the Gulf of Mexico.

1517. Cordova discovers Yucatan and the Yucatanese.

1518. Grizalba lands on the Mexican coasts.

About this period, Vasquez D'Allyon lands on the Atlantic coast of Chicora, now South Carolina, with the commission of Atalantado  traffics with the Chicora Indians, at the mouth of the Combahee river, who, in return for former treacheries in carrying off the natives to St. Domingo, massacre his crew, and he is driven, mortally wounded, on board his vessels.

1519. Mexico is invaded by Cortez, who defeats the natives in every encounter, and enters the city of Mexico, whence he is eventually expelled, after desperate fighting, and hastens back to the seacoast, where Narvaez is sent from Cuba with an army to arrest him.

1520. Cortez defeats Narvaez, founds Vera Cruz, and re-appears before the city of Mexico, which he enters by razing the buildings as he advances.

1520. Montezuma is killed by a dart, and the city falls.

1524. Verrazani visits the harbor of New York, and is visited by Algonquins.

1528. Pamphilio de Narvaez lands in Florida with an army, where he is fiercely resisted by the Appalachians, and suffers from want of provisions. He constructs boats at the mouth of the Apalachicola, and proceeds west along the Gulf coasts, whence he is driven to sea, and lost.

The mother of Hirrahagua is torn to pieces, in Florida, by Spanish bloodhounds.

1534. Cartier discovers the St. Lawrence, where he holds interviews with the Algonquins, and afterwards, on ascending the river, with the Wyandot, or Huron tribe of the Iroquois.

1535. Cartier discovers Hochelaga, or Montreal, and Canada.

1537. Caba de Vaca, who had escaped with three men from the wreck of the boats of Narvaez, after nine years' wanderings among the Indian tribes, reaches Compostella, on the Colorado coast.

1538. Ferdinand de Soto, who had distinguished himself in the wars of the conquest of Peru, lands, with a well-appointed army, in Florida. With extraordinary fortitude, he traverses the vast area which comprises the present States of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, being opposed, with courage, by the Choctaws and their confederates, who attack, and well nigh defeat him, at Mauvilla.

1539. Tuscaloosa perishes in the conflagration of Mauvilla.

1540. Francesco Vasquez Coronado is placed by Mendoza in command of an army, for the discovery and conquest of the country since called New Mexico, by which our knowledge of the Indian tribes in that quarter is much extended.

De Soto discovers the Mississippi River, on its left banks, in the country of the Chickasaws, within the present boundaries of the State of Tennessee.

1541. De Soto dies at the mouth of the Arkansas River, and his body, entombed in a tree, is sunk in the Mississippi.

1542. The expedition of Coronado, and his compeers, returns, and abandons the country.

The expedition of De Soto terminates, having suffered by hardship, disease, and death; the commander himself having fallen a victim to his intrepidity; the survivors descend the Mississippi in boats, and reach Tampico.

1562. Ribault enters the St. John's River, in Florida; then sails to, and enters Port Royal, and builds Fort Charles, at or near Beaufort, South Carolina.

1564. Laudonniere visits the River St. John's, Florida, and erects Fort Caroline. St. Augustine founded.

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A.D. 1565. Admiral Coligny resumes the settlement of Florida by Protestants. Second voyage of Ribault; his capture by Melendez, under a false guise, and the treacherous massacre of Ribault and his men.

1567. Gourgues revenges the outrages perpetrated by Melendez.

1583. Indians are kidnapped on the New England coasts.

1584. Virginia is discovered, and named. The coast is occupied by Algonquin tribes, under the rule of Powhatan.

1607. The colony of Virginia is founded in the midst of the Powhatanic tribes.

1609. Hudson enters the Bay of New York, where he holds intercourse with the Mohican family of the Algonquins. He discovers it to be the receptacle of a large river, which he ascends to the boundaries of the Iroquois at Albany.

1616. Pocahontas dies in England.

1618. Powhatan dies.

1620. English ships, freighted with emigrants fleeing from ecclesiastical tyranny, land in Massachusetts bay, and find the coasts occupied by Algonquin tribes, of the Mohican sub-type. They are under the rule of Massasoit.

1622. The Indians of Virginia, undgr Opechanganough, rise, by preconcert, against the colonists, and commit an appalling massacre.

1627. The Maine and New Hampshire coasts are visited, and found to be occupied by Algonquins.

1630. Tammany, or Tamenund, is supposed to rule the Lenno Lenapees, from the Delaware River to Manhattan Island.

1631. Maryland is colonized in the territorial dominions of the Susquehannocks and Nanticokes.